If you’re a Michigan homeowner thinking about investing in a paver patio, outdoor kitchen, or other outdoor-living feature, finding the right contractor can make or break your project. But as experts who have worked in hardscape and landscape design and construction for decades, we can tell you: not all contractors are created equal.
Honestly, that upsets us, because we’re firm believers that quality of work and integrity of service are important for our industry as a whole. So we’re here to help you identify a great contractor—no matter who you choose to work with. Here are 5 things to look for:
1. Proper Licensing & Insurance (Don’t Skip This)
This step is no secret, but many just treat it as a formality. A better way to look at it? It’s your financial protection.
In Michigan, a contractor doing work over $600 must be licensed through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You can search license status online using the contractor’s name or business ID.
Also, ask to see a Certificate of Insurance, and don’t just take a verbal "yeah, we're covered" as due diligence. That certificate should show both general liability and workers’ compensation policies in effect. Don’t be shy about calling the insurance provider listed to confirm the coverage is active.
Did you know that if someone gets hurt on your property or your home is damaged during the project, you could be held liable if the contractor isn’t properly insured?
Green light: The contractor provides their Michigan license number, carries active liability and workers’ comp insurance, and even offers to let you verify it.
Red flag: They say “we’re covered” but can’t produce documentation, or the license doesn’t check out online.
2. Experience With Michigan Soils and Seasons
Hardscaping in Michigan isn’t like Arizona or the Carolinas. Here, homeowners can deal with challenges like freeze-thaw cycles, clay-heavy soils, drainage challenges, and the kind of winters that can tear apart a poorly built patio.
You need someone who knows how to dig below the frost line, install the right base materials, and account for water movement—not someone learning on the job (and on your dime).
This is also where references come in (more on that below). Ask the contractor if they’ve done work in your specific area or neighborhood. Bonus points if they can name past clients, talk about local soil quirks, or share how their builds have held up through Michigan winters.
If they just moved into town or can’t speak confidently about regional conditions, it’s worth pressing pause.
Green light: They talk confidently about local soil types, frost lines, drainage issues, and have references nearby with projects that have survived multiple Michigan winters.
Red flag: They just moved into the area or can’t explain how they build differently for our climate.
3. Clear, Detailed Estimates (No Guesswork)
A solid contractor should give you a written estimate that breaks everything down: materials, labor, timeline, payment terms, and what’s included vs. what’s not. That means you should see things like square footage, type of pavers, base materials, edge restraints, cleanup costs—not just a single line that says: “Paver patio: $12,000.”
That kind of vague quote? Major red flag. It leaves too much room for surprises later—whether it’s extra charges for excavation, unexpected delays, or disagreements over what was actually included.
Green lights:
A highly detailed proposal that outlines what is and is not included in the project
Estimated start and finish dates
Payment schedule (e.g., deposit, progress payments, final balance)
Details on prep work, base depth, drainage considerations, etc.
Red flags:
Verbal estimates only
No contract or just a one-sentence “scope of work”
Vague or missing payment terms
Pushback when you ask for details in writing
A trustworthy contractor won’t hesitate to put everything in writing, and walk you through it line by line.
4. Portfolio & Local References
Ask to see photos of recent work, ideally projects that are similar to yours in scope and size, whether it’s a backyard patio, front walkway, or full outdoor living space.
A good contractor should have no problem sharing a portfolio (even just on their phone) and offering local references you can actually call.
Bonus points if they have a working website that they’re proud of. And don’t be afraid to ask about the projects featured on their website! If they can’t answer, they might be using other business’s photographs.
But don’t stop there. Do a little of your own detective work:
Google their business name + your town or “reviews”
Look at Google Maps reviews for both feedback and project photos
If they’re on Instagram or Facebook, scan their recent posts and see how active they are, and if the projects look legit
When talking to references, go beyond “Were you happy?” Ask:
Did they stick to the schedule and budget?
How was the communication throughout the job?
Do they clean up well after a day’s work?
Has the project held up through Michigan’s seasons?
Green light: A contractor who has done work in your neighborhood and is proud to show it off.
Red flag: A contractor who is hesitant to share photos or only gives vague references that don’t check out.
5. Communication & Professionalism (It Matters)
This one is underrated, but it’s often the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one. Pay attention to how the contractor communicates before you sign anything. Are they responsive to calls or texts? Do they show up when they say they will? Do they take time to answer your questions, or brush you off with vague answers?
If communication is messy or spotty at the start, it usually doesn’t get better once the job is underway.
Green lights:
They reply to calls, emails, or texts within 24 hours
They show up to your estimate appointment on time (or give you a heads up if they’re running late)
They walk you through the process clearly and answer questions without rushing you
You get a sense that they’re organized and genuinely care about your project
Red flags:
Multiple no-shows or last-minute cancellations without explanation
Takes days to respond (or only texts at odd hours)
Gets defensive or vague when you ask about timelines, materials, or process
Blames other customers for delays or talks negatively about past clients
You’re trusting this person with your home and your money; they should treat your project like it matters.
Have more questions about finding a contractor or about your backyard project in general? We are happy to answer questions and provide further guidance.
